Appealing Against a Speed Camera Ticket

Speed cameras are one of the most popular devices used to catch speeding motorists. It is possible to appeal against a speed camera fine but losing the appeal could turn out to be costly.

Speed Cameras in the UK

Almost two million Fixed Penalty Notices are given each year to drivers who break the speed limit in the UK. Speed cameras and hand held speeding devices are two of the most common methods for the detection of speeding in the UK. The government has always claimed that Speed Cameras are a deterrent to speeding. Although many campaign groups in the UK have consistently challenged the reliability of roadside speed cameras many drivers do not appeal. Appealing against a speeding fine can leave the driver paying court costs, and can result in increased fines and penalty points.

Speeding Fines in the UK

Exceeding the speed limit in the UK can result in the driver receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice. The fixed penalty will usually mean three penalty points and a £100 fine. If court prosecution is intended then this can mean three to six penalty points and could also mean a discretionary ban. Court prosecution can also mean fines of up to one and half times your weekly salary if you are caught travelling at 51mph or above in a 30mph area or travelling at over 101mph on a motorway (although maximum fines of £1000 and £2500 respectively are still in place)

The Risk of a Driving Ban for Speeding

There is always the risk of a Driving Ban when speeding offences occur. The higher the excess speed the more chance there is of a disqualification being applied. General guidelines are that if the speed of the car is over 45% more than the speed limit a ban may indeed be imposed. Bans will usually last from between one week and 56 days but longer bans of 120 days are not uncommon. When penalty points are involved the driver will usually face a totting up ban if there are 12 or more points on a licence.

The Rules of a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)

Drivers who have been caught speeding by a speed camera should be aware of the Notice of Intended Prosecution guidelines. These rules include:

The NIP must be issued to the driver within 14 days of the offence occurring

The NIP will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle

It is the registered owner’s responsibility to complete the driver information form

If the owner states that they did not know who was driving this will not be viewed as a defence

Owners who cannot identify the driver can face a £1000 fine and three penalty points

Registered owners who ignore the NIP can face fines of up to £1000 and up to 6 penalty points

The registered owner must send back the requested details within 28 days

OUR ADVICE: Always get a receipt of posting when you return your completed forms and keep a photocopy of the form if you can

Drivers who are intending to appeal are still required to send back the completed NIP details.

Appealing Against a Speed Camera Fine

Drivers who are intending to Appeal Against a Speeding Fine after being caught on camera should consider this carefully. Losing an appeal can lead to increased fines, increased penalty points, and court and legal representation costs. Anyone who is appealing against a speeding fine should seek legal representation as the case will usually be heard in court. It is of course possible to win an appeal and a solicitor will be able to gauge the likely chance of this happening. There may be certain mistakes or technicalities that could lead to the driver winning the appeal.

Reasons for a Successful Appeal against a Speeding Ticket

The most common reasons to appeal against a speed camera fine will be technicalities. There are strict guidelines in place regarding the positioning of speed limit signs. Mistakes such as speed limit signs being obscured or not placed on both sides of the road can lead to a successful appeal. Drivers who are intending to appeal on these grounds should collect as much evidence as possible, including photographs of the area where the offence was alleged to have committed. Emergency situations that required the driver to speed could also be used as a defence and lead to a successful appeal.

In the UK only 1% of offences such as speeding fines are ever taken to the appeal process. Yet almost 60% of appeals that do end up in court are successful. Having enough evidence is vital when appealing against a speed camera fine.Although not compulsory, legal representation is a wise option when dealing with any court prosecution involving traffic offences.

Is it worth appealing a variable speed limit fine on the M25 motorway. I had been driving at 55mph for around 8 miles at 11pm at night and no reason was identified - nobroad works no RTC, good weather and no traffic. There was no reason for the reduced speed on the motorway. I did accelerate and if caught me at 62mph. Any ideas

Kevin - 14-Mar-18 @ 11:40 AM

Received a NIP from an average speed camera, 67mph in a 50 just prior to midnight time wise. I’m annoyed that I was being extremely cautious regarding speed there and back as I am aware of the road and that it has average speed cameras throughout the journey. But my issue is that where it has the Police Chief Constable’s name and signature authorising, he has since long resigned. Does that not make the NIP therefore invalid?

SD - 13-Mar-18 @ 8:35 PM

I have received 2 speeding fines for the same date at the exact same time. Both at 16:07 on 2 separate roads.
I was doing 36 in a 30 zone on both occasions and the roads lead into one another. The cameras must have been around 400m apart? Can this be classed as one offence?

Taylor - 7-Mar-18 @ 1:24 PM

miniminx73 - Your Question:

In the space of two weeks I have been sent 2 NIP for doing 48 in a variable temporary dual carriages way A1 Peterborough to London. I’m a very careful driver and believe this is a false reading. how can I go about appealing this further ? I’m racking upPoints when im doing 40 or 42 at most. help!

Our Response:

If you want to appeal you have to be prepared to attend court. If you're sure your speed is no more than 42 mph, it might be worth seeking professional legal help. (Get your speedometer checked first, although it is very rare for speedometers to read "under")

NoPenaltyPoints - 28-Feb-18 @ 12:57 PM

In the space of two weeks I have been sent 2 NIP for doing 48 in a variable temporary dual carriages way A1 Peterborough to London... I’m a very careful driver and believe this is a false reading... how can I go about appealing this further ? I’m racking up
Points when im doing 40 or 42 at most.. help!

miniminx73 - 27-Feb-18 @ 10:06 AM

Hobbo - Your Question:

Hi can you appeal a ticket if the mobile speed vehicle is parked on a pedestrian path?

Our Response:

No, the positioning of the vehicle will not help you contest a speeding penalty.

NoPenaltyPoints - 12-Feb-18 @ 2:19 PM

Rob - Your Question:

"Camera Tolerance"Do the police have to use this in every case ?I have been caught on a national speed limit dual carriageway while driving my works van,while in the van l now know l should have been doing max 60.I was recorded at 68.but with the camera tolerance at 10%+2 , l am spot on the speed limit.Is this grounds for an appeal ????

Our Response:

Guideline recommendations (ACPO) suggest that fixed penalties and speed awareness courses for speeding in a 60mph zone start at 68mph, so you're unlikely to be able to contest this for device tolerance reasons.

NoPenaltyPoints - 12-Feb-18 @ 12:57 PM

Hi can you appeal a ticket if the mobile speed vehicle is parked on a pedestrian path?

Hobbo - 10-Feb-18 @ 9:37 AM

"Camera Tolerance"
Do the police have to use this in every case ?
I have been caught on a national speed limit dual carriageway while driving my works van,
while in the van l now know l should have been doing max 60.
I was recorded at 68....but with the camera tolerance at 10%+2 , l am spot on the speed limit.
Is this grounds for an appeal ????

Rob - 9-Feb-18 @ 9:16 PM

dixiechick - Your Question:

Hi,I've recently received a speeding ticket on the M20, as I was going 71mph when the variable speed limit was 60mph. The photo evidence they have shows the variable speed limit sign is quite clearly in front of me. Therefore, there is no photo to show I was going through the speed limit sign. At what point does the variable speed limit start and can I appeal it based on the fact the photo shows I'm not yet entering the zone, although I suppose I'm doing 71mph, but is there a degree of tolerance?Any help gratefully received.

Our Response:

The police will undoubtedly be able to provide further evidence at court if you decide to appeal. Thesevariable speed cameras are fairly sophisticated and where speed limits change there is an automatic delay before enforcement can begin against the newly displayed limit.

NoPenaltyPoints - 6-Feb-18 @ 2:18 PM

Hi,
I've recently received a speeding ticket on the M20, as I was going 71mph when the variable speed limit was 60mph. The photo evidence they have shows the variable speed limit sign is quite clearly in front of me. Therefore, there is no photo to show I was going through the speed limit sign. At what point does the variable speed limit start and can I appeal it based on the fact the photo shows I'm not yet entering the zone, although I suppose I'm doing 71mph, but is there a degree of tolerance?
Any help gratefully received.

dixiechick - 5-Feb-18 @ 2:07 PM

Hi I need advice I had a notice of speeding dated 24th January I'm not disputing its not my car but where I wassuppose to be when I was speeding it's saying on the letter I was on the B4121 Shenley lane near to Meadowbrook rd Birmingham uk at 10.01 on the 24th January 2018 I was coming out of Burdock rd on to a slip road adjacent to Shenley lane going opposite way to Meadowbrook rd at the top I realized I had forgotten something so I turned round and came back down the slip road and back into Burdock rd I could see the manned van on my way down the slip rd which is parked further down shenley lane by the football club which is opposite meadowbrook rd I text my granddaughter to be aware of it on her way to nursery she received the text at 10.04 so between me going up slip rd and coming back down and seeing the van I got a speeding fine and wasn't even on the B4121 can a speeding fine be issued on a slip rd

Sarnie - 1-Feb-18 @ 2:07 PM

Been hit with 2 possible 3 tickets on the same road over 7 days, as traveling to a new Work place.
Any chance I could appeal? By the time I got the first one in the post, I already racked up the others.
Help

Ceejay - 31-Jan-18 @ 2:00 PM

garyonline - Your Question:

I received a speeding ticket 47 on a 40 m4 motoway london when I ask for proof I reveived 3 pictures of my vehicle however there were no data attatch to the pictures and the speed was writting at the side when I questioned this I was told my speed had been recorded as higher and reduced to 47? As there was no digital data should I take them at their word or should I challenge I have sent 3 letters asking them to submit to me my correct speed and am still waiting on confirmation of this 5 months revently I was told its been destroyed.

Our Response:

If you take it to court the police have to provide the requested evidence.

NoPenaltyPoints - 31-Jan-18 @ 11:31 AM

I received a speeding ticket 47 on a 40 m4 motoway london when i ask for proof i reveived 3 pictures of my vehicle however there were no data attatch to the pictures and the speedwas writting at the side when I questioned this i was told my speed had been recorded as higher and reduced to 47? As there was no digital data should i take them at their word or should i challenge i have sent 3 letters asking them to submit to me my correct speed and am still waiting on confirmation of this 5 months revently i was told its been destroyed.

garyonline - 29-Jan-18 @ 11:40 PM

AA - Your Question:

Hi, My mum borrowed my car yesterday while on visit here in the uk and apprently she had had a camera flash when coming off the motorway and entering into 50 mph zone. She had been rushing to overtake a car in front due to lanes merging into one and limited space not allowing her to position behind the car and I understand she had only realised she is into the camera zone when it had flashed. She doesn't live in the uk and only visiting. Can we still appeal against the ticket or am ultimately responsibly as the registered keeper of the car? And what prove can I show of her borrowing the car ?

Our Response:

If a camera caught your vehicle speeding, the person who is the registered keeper of the vehicle will be sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) asking for details of who was driving at the time. You should give your mother's details. It doesn't sound as though there are grounds to appeal the actual speed (rushing to overtake a car because of lanes merging is not considered reasonable grounds to speed).

NoPenaltyPoints - 5-Jan-18 @ 10:42 AM

I was caught speeding in a 30mph zone doing 36 5/9/17 I was on my way to drop the kids off to school.I paid 100 when I got the notice thinking that will be the end of the matter however I v? just received the letter from them asking me to send in my license within 24 days I am mortified they want to add 3 points it's not fair I bagged them to let me book a course I ll pay the 80 but they are having none of it help.

Sadia - 4-Jan-18 @ 10:37 PM

Dodger - Your Question:

Bristol m32 been sent speeding ticket traveling 61mph on a dual carriageway which normally 70mph I believe, aparetly it was average speed check the cameras had been switched off for a short time after catching over 10,000 drivers in less than 2 weeks, I believed I was traveling within the speed limit,, where do I stand on this as defence, help wud b appreciated

Our Response:

Was the speed limit changed for some reason? Dual carriageways without street lighting (i.e not a 30mph zone) have a 70 mph limit unless there are signs stating otherwise. If thespeed limit was 70mph and you were caught at 61mph, you weren't speeding. Even if the limit was 60mph - it's unlikely action would be taken.

NoPenaltyPoints - 3-Jan-18 @ 11:41 AM

Hi,
My mum borrowed my car yesterday while on visit here in the uk and apprently she had had a camera flash when coming off the motorway and entering into 50 mph zone. She had been rushing to overtake a car in front due to lanes merginginto one and limited space not allowing her to position behind the car and I understand she had only realised she is into the camera zone when it had flashed.
She doesn't live in the uk and only visiting .
Can we still appeal against the ticket or am ultimately responsibly as the registered keeper of the car? And what prove can I show of her borrowing the car ?

AA - 2-Jan-18 @ 7:00 PM

Bristol m32 been sent speeding ticket traveling 61mph on a dual carriageway which normally 70mph I believe,aparetly it was average speed check the cameras had been switched off for a short time after catching over 10,000 drivers in less than 2 weeks, I believed I was traveling within the speed limit,,where do I stand on this as defence, help wud b appreciated

Dodger - 30-Dec-17 @ 10:49 AM

Please help me find a soliciter

knob head - 14-Dec-17 @ 6:05 PM

Mick - Your Question:

Hi got flashedin Giffnock, Glasgow doing maybe 44 but there are no speed limit signs and I was just keeping up with traffic anyway around this?

Our Response:

If there are no signs, you can usually assume if it's an urban road with street lighting that it's a 30mph zone. If it's single carriageway with no streetlights and no other speed limit signs, it's usually a 60mph limit. A dual carriageway is 70mph unless there are other signs in place.

NoPenaltyPoints - 13-Dec-17 @ 2:41 PM

Hi got flashedin Giffnock, Glasgow doing maybe 44 but there are no speed limit signs and I was just keeping up with traffic anyway around this?

Mick - 11-Dec-17 @ 4:25 PM

Twobob- Your Question:

Hi! I received a NIP for a red light infringement in Essex on A127 Leigh on sea.I’m a taxi driver, I had 6 passengers on board and there is no way on this earth I did that!!! Another colleague of mine was right behind me with the rest of the people from the group I was taking to Southend airport and definitely I didn’t do it! I can recall at a point stopping at a traffic light just a couple of yards further than the line but still safe! What do I need to do to challenge it? There is no way I will admit it!

Our Response:

Unfortunately if you pass the line, you're deemed to have run the light. You might have to seek a the opinion of a professional (motoring lawyer) on this if you want to appeal it.

NoPenaltyPoints - 1-Dec-17 @ 11:00 AM

I have been given a speeding ticket for doing 47 in a 40 through the avergae speed cameras on the M6 jct 27. They have sent no photo evidence and do not have proof these have been calibrated. (They have to be checked once a day by the traffic management company). Anyone appealed or requested the above on tempory average speed cameras?If so what was the outcome? TIA

Nick - 29-Nov-17 @ 6:46 PM

Hi! I received a NIP for a red light infringement in Essex on A127 Leigh on sea.
I’m a taxi driver, I had 6 passengers on board and there is no way on this earth I did that!!! Another colleague of mine was right behind me with the rest of the people from the group I was taking to Southend airport and definitely I didn’t do it! I can recall at a point stopping at a traffic light just a couple of yards further than the line but still safe! What do I need to do to challenge it? There is no way I will admit it!

Twobob - 29-Nov-17 @ 5:15 PM

Osman - Your Question:

Been sent a NIP caught at 37mph in 30. The photograph only shows my car and numberplate, not a picture of my face. What can I do?

Our Response:

Is it likely to be someone else? If someone else drives your car with your permission and you know you weren't driving at that time, you should give their name and address. If you know it was you driving but the photo is unclear, it's likely to be a waste of time trying to appeal on this basis.

NoPenaltyPoints - 27-Nov-17 @ 3:31 PM

Been sent a NIP caught at 37mph in 30. The photograph only shows my car and numberplate, not a picture of my face. What can I do?

Osman - 24-Nov-17 @ 12:27 PM

When I log into the police website I see that the site evidence photo of the camera shows the camera with a 40mph sign next to it. Apparently all road signs were changed to 30mph but they have not got round to changing the site photo of the camera on their website. Is this valid ground for appeal? I was doing 39mph

H - 22-Nov-17 @ 7:07 PM

Hi. I've been driving a hired car in night uphill, on top of the hill is traffic lights, which where green at the time, and as soon as I've past lights there is 30 speeding cameras in 20 meter. I have not felt that hill have finished and have got flashed at 35mph. Is there possible dispute as car I have used was hired- I could not feel very well as my own one and there not a lot you can feel in fast changing road. I was thinking that I'm still going uphill.Thanks